1 minute read
Road deaths in the first half of year rise
The Road Safety authority (RSa) and an Garda Síochána have issued a stark warning that years of road safety progress is being undone as new figures reveal that road deaths in the first half of 2023 are the worst for six years. 95 road deaths have occurred so far this year (as of 26 July 2023), an increase of 9 compared to last year.
The RSa is warning the Irish public that, should current trends continue, as many as 168 lives will be lost on our roads this year.
Advertisement
Data made available from a Preliminary analysis of Road Traffic Fatalities by the RSa (as of 26 July 2023) has highlighted a number of worrying trends, including: almost the same number of 16-25 year olds killed (23) in the first half of 2023 as with same period in 2021 and 2022 combined (26). almost half (49%) of all deaths on the roads occurred at night-time (8pm-8am), when the roads are at their quietest. as of august 1, ) there have been 100 deaths on the road. This is an increase of 11 fatalities compared to the same date last year.
Twenty-three young people aged 16-25 have lost their lives so far this year.
Three counties (Galway11, mayo – 10, and Cork - 9) accounted for almost one third of all fatalities.
The RSa and an Garda Síochána are appealing to all road users to be more vigilant on our roads.
Commenting on the findings, Sam Waide, Ceo, RSa said: “The figures released today are alarming. Clearly, the progress we have made in road safety over the last number of years is at risk. The evidence suggests that as a society we are losing momentum when it comes to road safety - with tragic consequences. If this continues, we could see 168 homes with an empty place at their table this Christmas time.
We all have a duty - all parts of society and every road user - to do everything we can to reverse this trend and save lives. I hope today can mark the start of a fightback from all of us to regain the progress we had made and make the second half of 2023 safer for all road users.” assistant Commissioner Paula hilman, Roads Policing and Community engagement, said: “Road deaths are a tragedy for all affected.”
